In a Violent Nature review by Bobby Blakey
Fans of the slasher genre never have a shortage of options, but finding one that is really worth their time is another story. ABC’s of Death 2 segment director Chris Nash is looking to bring his own vision to the genre with his film In A Violent Nature starring Ry Barrett, Andrea Pavlovic, Cameron Love, Reece Presley, Liam Leone, Charlotte Creaghan, Lea Rose Sebastianis, Sam Roulston, Alexander Oliver, and Lauren Taylor. Could this film bring something special to the world of the slasher or will it get lost in the woods?
In A Violent Nature follows a locket that is removed from a collapsed fire tower in the woods that entombs the rotting corpse of Johnny, a vengeful spirit spurred on by a horrific 60-year-old crime, his body is resurrected and becomes hellbent on retrieving it. The undead golem hones in on the group of vacationing teens responsible for the theft and proceeds to methodically slaughter them one by one in his mission to get it back - along with anyone in his way.
This is one of those types of films that will no doubt be divided on how people feel about it. While I loved most of the film, I can still completely see the point for those that do not. The film doesn’t break down any walls in the genre and as a matter of fact sticks to the usual rules of slasher films but takes some creative liberties to make it feel different. The story is simple but takes the audience on a journey that is often from the killer’s perspective as we follow him throughout the entire film as opposed to waiting for him to pop up and strike.
The choice to use no music is perfection making it feel more real and unnerving. At the same time the slow silent pace of the film could leave some annoyed and or frustrated. There are many moments where you are just following him walking through the woods that does get mundane, but I also found myself enthralled
with it all. It is a longer build-up to the kills than fans might be used to and even feels like a waste of time but following him through almost every step took me into his shoes more and eager to see where he was going for the next kill as opposed to just watching the annoying teens before they are surprised with a scare.
It isn’t scary or offer up any of those jump moments these films tend to bring since we know where he is at all times, but it still brings the fun and blood. The kills that are here are creative, graphic and sometimes ridiculous in the best way possible. There is one involving a machine that also takes way longer than it needs to deliver, but again I was so caught up being as the killer that it worked for me. The entire thing is very much a take on the ideas of Friday the 13th with some even saying it’s the same thing and in a lot of ways it is, but the art style direction gives it a unique voice to help stand out if you are able to enjoy the slaughter.
My only really big issue with the film comes in the final sequence and monologue. This entire sequence seemed to be setting up a big twist or even more explanation to the events of the film but really offers nothing. It also goes on long enough that it kind of becomes annoying, but you stick with it in hopes of that big final surprise that just never comes. The nature of this film lends itself perfectly to sequels that I hope we get but will need some streamlining in some areas and ditch the unnecessary car rides without a destination.
This is for sure an acquired taste that will not work for everyone including the horror fans, but for those that it does they are in for a great treat.
Decide for yourself and check out In A Violent Nature when it hits theaters on May 31st from IFC Films and Shudder.